We're currently under a lot of water, but The Arena is going to have its first ever (*cough*) Singles Tournament! The tournament will begin in exactly one week on July 18, so you have that long to get your stats in order! You'll all be considered newbies for this tournament, so you will all begin with 1000 EXP, which could potentially mean starting at Level 10.

For information about the way The Arena works, please visit the website: http://arena.goatpen.org/ You should begin by reading the "How to Play" section, then I suggest checking out the latest three sections: Equipment, Abilities, and Level-Up. All three need to be balanced properly to fight to your best potential. Take great notice of the Level-Ups, as now all Level-Ups include AP and BP.

Cecil's Recommendations: Do not buy individual AP or BP unless you really need an extra point or two. For this tournament, I would pile all 1000 EXP into Level-Ups. You need good stats to compete, so even though you can get some major AP by using 100 EXP to get 4 AP (they now cost only 25 EXP), it will mean your general stats like defense, magic, and speed are below the average. Also, consider that each Level-Up includes 3 AP/BP, so you're basically getting a lot of stats for only 25 EXP more. Think about it.

Registration: You only need to register by commenting on this post. If you would like to compete, you only need to submit your name(s). You do not have to register yourself, either. You may register your friends as well, I just need names (OOC: Meaning you don't have to comment with each character if you don't want to).

Preparations: When you have decided your fighting style (OOC: Gambits, equipment, etc), please submit them to The Arena privately (OOC: Send them to me, Bob, on forum PM, via AIM, or e-mail). You may make them public (OOC: Put them in the comments here or on the forum), but you are encouraged to keep them private.

Combat Help: Beatrix is being forcefully volunteered to create a post where you can ask her questions about possible fighting combinations (OOC: if you're up for it, Count, but I thought you'd enjoy it). She is a powerful warrior and can help you to perfect your style, so you can ask her questions on the post she will make shortly. I will help field questions as well. By doing this, you have a slight disadvantage, since people will be able to see your battle style, but a major advantage by not coming into the tournament with a weakness.

We hope to see many of you there. Remember, it may hurt when it happens, but it's 100% safe...well, 91% safe (legally obligated to state that) and you'll walk out injury-free....91% of the time. It's fun to watch, good fun to compete, and excellent for profit...err, whatever. And as a reminder: anybody that works at the mall can enter with no restriction, but we will not be the only ones competing (OOC: Each player can create up to 4 NPCs to participate as well, but register the NPCs on the forums; there is a thread).